West African Dwarf Cichlid (Nanochromis transvestitus)
| West African Dwarf Cichlid Nanochromis transvestitus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | West African Dwarf Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Nanochromis transvestitus |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | DR Congo, Lake Mai-Ndombe |
| Habitat | Lake, tributaries |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 4.5-7.0 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Pair |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5-7 cm |
| Temperature | 24-26 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2"-2.8" |
| Temperature | 75-79 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The zebra dwarf cichlids are found exclusively (endemically) in Lake Mai Ndombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They live in the shallow shorelines with fallen leaves covered sandy bottoms and numerous hiding places between stones and roots.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting, with many hiding places, such as stones, roots and caves (e.g. halved coconuts) and offer free swimming space. A dark substrate of sand or gravel covered with some foliage (sea almond tree, oak), some shaded light (floating plants) and soft, slightly acidic water is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They require live food, such as daphnia, cyclops, artemia, mysis and black mosquito larvae, which is also accepted without problems in frozen form, or a commercially available frozen special food mix. High-quality, protein-rich dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) for cichlids is also usually accepted, but should not be the main component of the diet.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes).
Behaviour and compatibility
They are relatively peaceful cichlids and should be kept in pairs. At spawning time the males are somewhat aggressive towards conspecifics. Keeping several pairs is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be socialized well with other peaceful, not too large fish.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The larger, inconspicuously colored males have a slightly longer, pointed dorsal and anal fin. The smaller females are magnificently colored, have white-banded unpaired fins and a particularly intense reddish-purple belly at spawning time. This reverse sexual dichromatism (females more colorful than males) led to the species name "transvestitus".
Reproduction and breeding
They are cave breeders and usually attach the spawn to the cave ceiling or walls. The female performs brood care, while the male defends the territory (parental family). The fry hatch after 2-3 days and swim freely after 7-8 days. Both parents guard the fry for some time and lead them through the aquarium before the brood care ends.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
Lake Mai Ndombe is a blackwater lake with clear water rich in humic substances and brownish in color. Accordingly, the addition of peat extract or filtration through peat and the use of foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) is recommended to increase the well-being and color intensity of the fish. The foliage enriches the water with humic substances and naturally lowers the pH.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Anton Lamboj
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF